Lifestyle / From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

Lifestyle Oct 11, 2024

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the holiday is all about gratitude and family, let’s not forget the most important aspect—food! Sure, the classic Thanksgiving dinner has its own charm, but if you’re looking to add a little spice to your feast (literally!), why not give it a South Asian twist? After all, who said the turkey can’t rub shoulders with garam masala, or that mashed potatoes can’t go from basic to bold? It’s time to take the cozy, comforting vibes of Thanksgiving and amp them up with some desi flair. Get ready to wow your family and friends with dishes that blend traditional holiday favourites with vibrant South Asian flavours.

1. Masala-Roasted Turkey: The Bird Gets a Bold Makeover

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Masala Roasted Turkey. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Masala Roasted Turkey. Photo Credit: https://myheartbeets.com/

Say goodbye to plain old herb-rubbed turkey and hello to its glamorous, spiced-up cousin! This turkey is marinated in a rich mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander—basically, all the stars of a South Asian pantry. Let it sit overnight (because good things come to those who wait), and then roast it to perfection. The result? A juicy bird that’s got a crispy, spicy skin and layers of flavour bursting through every bite.

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons red chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
2 teaspoons black pepper
4 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chopped cilantro and mint (optional, for garnishing)
2 cups chicken broth (for the masala gravy)

Directions:

In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, salt, pepper, melted butter, and lemon juice. Apply this marinade all over the turkey, including under the skin.
Let the turkey marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 3.5-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
For the gravy, use the drippings and deglaze the pan with chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of garam masala and a splash of cream, simmering until thickened.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to make a killer masala gravy by deglazing the pan with some chicken broth, adding a splash of cream, and a teaspoon of garam masala.

2. Masala Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Dreamy, and Definitely Not Boring

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Masala Mashed Potato. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Masala Mashed Potato. Photo Credit: https://bellyfull.net/

Mashed potatoes are everyone’s comfort food—but we all know they can sometimes end up being a bit, well… bland. Enter masala mashed potatoes. Start by infusing your butter with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a bit of asafoetida. Then, add in boiled potatoes, and mash them with a generous dollop of ghee, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, and a handful of chopped cilantro.

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup ghee (or butter)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (optional)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup yogurt (or sour cream)
1/2 cup warm milk
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:

Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat the ghee and add cumin, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Sauté until fragrant.
Pour the spiced ghee over the boiled potatoes and mash well.
Add yogurt, warm milk, salt, and chili flakes, mashing until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Pro Tip: Mix in some roasted garlic and a spoonful of yogurt for extra creaminess. You’ll never go back to plain mashed potatoes again!

3. Saffron and Cardamom Cornbread: The Sweetest Sidekick

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Cornbread. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Cornbread. Photo Credit: https://www.allrecipes.com/

Cornbread is a quintessential Thanksgiving side, but let’s give it a desi uplift. Add a hint of saffron and a dash of cardamom to your regular cornbread batter for a delightful aroma and depth of flavour. Imagine the familiar crumbly texture with a fragrant twist—your guests will be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk)
1 tablespoon chopped pistachios (optional, for topping)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking pan.
In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and pistachios (if using).
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and the saffron-infused milk.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined, and pour into the baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Serve this with a side of tamarind chutney for a sweet and tangy pairing that’s unexpected yet irresistible.

4. Paneer-Stuffed Butternut Squash: A Vegetarian Delight

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Paneer Stuffed Butternut Squash. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Paneer Stuffed Butternut Squash. Photo Credit: https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/

If you have vegetarian guests or are simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options, this paneer-stuffed butternut squash is a showstopper. Halve and roast a butternut squash, then stuff it with crumbled paneer sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Top it off with grated cheese and bake until bubbly.

Ingredients:

2 medium butternut squashes, halved and deseeded
1 cup crumbled paneer
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the butternut squash halves on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Sauté onions until golden, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
Add spices, salt, and crumbled paneer. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Scoop out a bit of the roasted squash flesh, creating a cavity, and mix it with the paneer mixture.
Stuff the mixture back into the squash, top with grated cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Pro Tip: Drizzle with a little mint-yogurt sauce for that extra oomph of freshness and flavour.

5. Pumpkin Halwa: Because Dessert is Non-Negotiable

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Pumpkin Halwa. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Pumpkin Halwa. Photo Credit: https://simplefreshnyum.com/

Pumpkin pie is great, but pumpkin halwa? Even better. This South Asian-inspired dessert uses grated pumpkin, simmered with ghee, sugar, and milk, and spiced with cardamom and nutmeg. Top it off with a handful of toasted nuts and a sprinkle of saffron for a gorgeous golden finish.

Ingredients:

2 cups grated pumpkin
1/4 cup ghee
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
A pinch of saffron (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
2 tablespoons raisins

Directions:

In a pan, heat ghee and sauté grated pumpkin until soft and slightly caramelized.
Add milk and cook until the mixture thickens and the pumpkin is fully cooked.
Stir in sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, and saffron. Cook until the halwa thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate fusion of East meets West.

6. Spiced Cranberry Chutney: The Sauce with Sass

From Turkey to Tikka: How to Add a South Asian Twist to Your Thanksgiving Spread – Spiced Cranberry Chutney. — From Turkey to Tadka: A Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast – Spiced Cranberry Chutney. Photo Credit: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/

Why settle for regular cranberry sauce when you can make a spiced cranberry chutney? Cook cranberries with jaggery (or brown sugar), ginger, and a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and a pinch of red chili. The result is a sweet, tangy, and spicy chutney that pairs perfectly with every bite of your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup jaggery (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup water
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup orange juice

Directions:

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, jaggery, water, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until cranberries start to burst.
Add grated ginger, cloves, cinnamon, red chili powder, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
Let it cool and store in a jar. Serve as a side or use it as a spread for leftover turkey sandwiches.

Pro Tip: This chutney doubles as a fabulous spread for those next-day turkey sandwiches!

Bringing a South Asian twist to your Thanksgiving dinner is not just about adding spice (although we’re always up for that!). It’s about blending flavours, bridging cultures, and creating new traditions that everyone at the table can enjoy. Whether you’re sharing these dishes with family or impressing friends with your culinary prowess, one thing is for sure—you’re about to serve up a Thanksgiving dinner that’ll be remembered for years to come.

So, put on your apron, grab those spices, and get cooking! Your turkey may not be tandoori, but it’ll definitely have a story to tell.

Happy Thanksgiving, and even happier feasting!

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Author

Kiran R. Khan (@kiranrkhanandco) is a journalism graduate from Sheridan College, possesses an extensive freelance portfolio encompassing various topics, including lifestyle posts and profile stories. Kiran loves to craft engaging content that resonates with readers, aiming to leave a lasting impress...

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From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

1. Masala-Roasted Turkey: The Bird Gets a Bold Makeover

2. Masala Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Dreamy, and Definitely Not Boring

3. Saffron and Cardamom Cornbread: The Sweetest Sidekick

4. Paneer-Stuffed Butternut Squash: A Vegetarian Delight

5. Pumpkin Halwa: Because Dessert is Non-Negotiable

6. Spiced Cranberry Chutney: The Sauce with Sass

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

COMMENTS

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